Accessing Science Through Media: Uses and Gratifications Among Fourth and Fifth Graders for Science Learning

This qualitative phenomenological study aims to investigate fourth and fifth graders’ uses of mass media (TV, newspapers, Internet, magazines) and to assess their various features as sources for science learning. The data were collected from 47 purposefully selected students through focus groups and were analyzed through qualitative analysis using uses and gratifications theory as a conceptual framework. The results indicated that students were active in choosing and utilizing media to meet their cognitive, affective, personal integrative, and social integrative needs. Furthermore accessibility, content, and presentation were the key factors in influencing students’ motivation of use of the media.